Monthly Archives: August 2012

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After the wonderful rains our town’s open spaces are covered with lovely flowers and we have good reason to celebrate the arrival of spring!

Join us on Thursday 6th when we meet at Fernkloof at 08:00 to consolidate transport for a visit to the Brooke-Sumner’s farm, Vredehoek, on the Sandy’s Glen Road. (this is the gravel road which passes the Salmon’s Dam turn-off, between the R326 & R316). Bring along a mid-morning snack & drink.

Tuesday 11th to Thursday 13th we have a fully booked away outing to Leeuwenboschfontein.

NB: Our evening meeting is on Wednesday 26th at 20:00 with Gavin & Cynthia Turner presenting ‘Tanzania – the lesser known Parks’. Important details to note: the meeting is on 4th Wednesday of the month (not the usual 3rd Wednesday) and it starts at 20:00/8 pm, which is our summer starting time. The change in date is due to the Hermanus Flower & Eco Fair which takes place at Fernkloof from Thursday 20 – Sunday 23 September.

Lee Burman went atlassing along the Swartriver Road this morning and reports that it is well worth a visit at the moment. Water levels have receded somewhat and the low-level bridge is open but the real attraction is the flooded fields at the old iron bridge. She spotted all three species of Teal amongst the other waterbirds, with Hottentot Teal being a first record for the pentad. There were three swimming close to the road just this side of the bridge. She also saw Black-winged Stilt and her first Greenshank for the season (also a first one for that pentad). Lee says she hadn’t intended atlassing as it was already 11.00 when she started, but the birding was so good that she put in her 2 hours and ended with quite a respectable list! Well done Lee.

For those who don’t have Hottentot Teal on their Western Cape or Overberg list, a drive along the Swartriver Road should be most rewarding.

On the way to Platbos this morning, the MacLennan-Smiths and passengers had a stunning view of a Martial Eagle near the turn-off to Bella Vista restaurant. Not quite as exciting, but a big surprise was a Giant Kingfisher flying over Main Road in Eastcliff this afternoon. Another interesting sighting was an African Olive-Pigeon in Fernkloof this morning. Just goes to show that you must be alert at all times as you never know what will turn up next!